CJ Martha Koome Warns Executive Over Disobeying Court Orders

Chief Justice Martha Koome has cautioned the Executive and the Legislature against defying court orders. 

Addressing the media on Monday, January 15, Koome said disobeying court orders would destabilize the nation and lead to chaos and anarchy.

“It is regrettable that the leadership of the Executive and the Legislature in the recent public declarations have threatened not to obey court orders because of corruption.

“These threats and declarations are extremely serious and a monumental assault to the Constitution. It is also an assault to the rule of law and the stability of the nation and can lead to chaos and anarchy in our motherland,” said Koome.

The Chief Justice noted that disobeying court orders is unattainable and amounts to contempt of court.

Koome went on to say if defying courts is allowed it will result in a constitutional crisis that can lead to untold civil strife.

At the same time, CJ Koome said the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has written to President William Ruto seeking an audience with him over his recent claims of corruption in the Judiciary.

“We have written requesting for an appointment with the President so that we as the commission can have a dialogue to discuss and find out what is the real issue,” Koome stated.

“He might have received reports because we have various government agencies with the responsibility of collecting information and we would like to engage him so that he can give us the information.”

President Ruto has in recent days been claiming that some corrupt judges and judicial officers are sabotaging his legacy projects, Universal Health Care and Affordable Housing.

The Head of State also said he would defy court orders from the corrupt judges.